By Michael McMullan DERRY have named their team for Saturday evening’s Christy Ring Cup final against London in Croke Park (5pm). It’s an unchanged team since their win over Wicklow booked Saturday’s spot at HQ. Derry are in their fourth final in five years and their fifth in all, hoping this is the year they […]
O’Doherty and Derry back challenging for an elusive first
May 28, 2025
Derry captain Cormac O’Doherty has played in three Christy Ring Cup final defeats but persistence takes him back to Croke Park on Saturday. Michael McMullan went to meet him… BETWEEN club, school and county, Cormac O’Doherty has stood in the firing line enough times to know the difference between winning and losing a crunch game […]
Derry face into crucial Wicklow clash to book final spot
May 16, 2025
By Niall Gartland CORMAC O’Doherty would dearly love to pocket a Christy Ring Cup medal this year– but the free-scoring Derry forward senses that won’t be happening unless they overcome Wicklow down in Celtic Park this Saturday afternoon. It’s their fifth and final group stage match and they sit second in the table, but O’Doherty expects that […]
McGarvey’s eyes fixed on another Royal Rumble
April 25, 2025
By Michael McMullan DERRY have won their last four games but manager Johnny McGarvey only has Meath in his sights ahead of Saturday’s Christy Ring Cup clash at Celtic Park. The Oakleafers came from behind to beat London on Sunday in Ruislip thanks to two goals from Cormac O’Doherty. “To be fair for 45 minutes […]
Derry hurlers must regroup ahead of Kingdom trip
February 6, 2025
By Michael McMullan AS weeks go, this will be as tough as it gets in the Derry hurling camp. Out of the frying pan and into the fire as the Oaks prepare to face Kerry on Sunday in Tralee. Manager Johnny McGarvey didn’t mince his words after their 19-point defeat at home to Down. It […]
McGarvey calling for more intensity
January 31, 2025
By Michael McMullan DERRY manager Johnny McGarvey is calling for more intensity from his side ahead of Saturday’s Ulster derby with Down at Owenbeg. The Oakleafers’ boss asked his team to ensure they secured both points from Saturday’s opener with Tyrone. “It will take a better performance for sure against Down,” he said. “Your home […]
Derry embracing new league season
January 24, 2025
By Michael McMullan DERRY are looking forward to getting their teeth into a new league season this weekend says manager Johnny McGarvey. The Oakleafers open their Division Two campaign against Tyrone on Saturday in Omagh. Going into his third season as manager, McGarvey has drafted eight players into the squad over the off-season with others […]
Sleacht Néill are taking adifferent aim
November 30, 2024
BY Michael McMullan CORMAC O’Doherty has been around enough corners to know that Sleacht Néill must have their eyes peeled with Portaferry coming down the tracks this week. While they’ve dominated the Derry scene for 12 seasons, they’ve just over a 50 per cent hit rate from their Ulster final appearances. Ballycran gave them a lesson […]
Cormac doesn’t take latest Sleacht Néill success for granted
October 31, 2024
By Niall Gartland THE hurlers from Sleacht Néill claimed a remarkable 12th consecutive Derry Senior Championship title last weekend with a comfortable win over Banagher, and ace forward Cormac O’Doherty says they were determined not to let complacency scupper their chances. It would’ve been a major shock had Sleacht Néill relinquished their crown, but they […]
Sleacht Néill begin defence of senior hurling title
August 9, 2024
By Michael McMullan REIGNING champions Sleacht Néill begin their bid for a 12th successive Derry senior hurling at home to Ballinascreen on Sunday. Should the four-time Ulster champions keep their hands on the Fr Collins Cup, they’ll go joint second with Lavey in the roll of honour with 18 titles. While they are a familiar […]